14. Domino Theory

In 1954, the Domino Theory was first talked about, observing communism’s expansion in Asia, influenced by China’s communist takeover in 1949 and the Korean War’s impact on North Korea. This perspective suggested that a communist triumph in Vietnam could trigger a domino effect, leading to subsequent falls of neighboring countries like dominoes to communism, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and beyond.

The current administration feared this potential chain reaction would significantly alter the geopolitical landscape of Asia. Consequently, they believed it was imperative for the United States to intervene in Vietnam to prevent the spread of communism throughout the continent, framing U.S. involvement in Vietnam as a crucial bulwark against the tide of communism.